Why The Mercury's Trio's Defense Helped Them Win

The Phoenix Mercury were a great defensive team, and some of their top players averaged at least a steal.

Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins (4) fouls Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) after a Thomas steal during the Mercury home opener in the PHX Arena in Phoenix on May 17, 2025. / Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Phoenix Mercury were a strong team on both ends of the floor. They had big performances on the offensive end, as they had their stars Kahleah Copper, Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas leading the way. The Mercury also held their own on the defensive end, and they had one of the best defensive ratings in the league during the season.

Phoenix has some great defenders, and the team's leader in blocks was Natasha Mack. She averaged 1.5 blocks, which made her one of the league's top shot blockers. She was alongside players like A'ja Wilson, Ezi Magbegor and Alanna Smith. Two of those players won a special award, as Wilson and Smith were named Co-Defensive Players of the Year.

Mack was impactful in that area, and when it comes to steals, another Mercury player led the team.

Aug 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) against Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) at Phx Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Thomas was the team's leader in this category, as she averaged 1.6. The Mercury forward was contributing in different areas, and she was doing it on both ends of the floor. So, it is no surprise that she led the team here. She also had instances where she had multiple steals during a game, as she had at least three steals in multiple games.

In a game against the Chicago Sky, Thomas had three steals. The Mercury won that game, as they beat the Sky 94-89, and Phoenix's star also had 15 assists, 10 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Thomas also had three steals in a game where the Dallas Wings beat the Mercury 98-89.

Phoenix Mercury guard Alyssa Thomas (25) defends Minnesota Lynx forward Jessica Shepard (15) during their WNBA semifinal playoff game at PHX Arena on Sept. 28, 2025. / Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Thomas did this multiple times throughout the season, and in the stretch where she had three triple-doubles in a row, she had three steals in two of those games.

Phoenix's star was the team's leader, but there were a few players right behind her. Sabally averaged 1.3 and Copper averaged 1.1. Megan McConnell had a steal in her game with the Mercury, so she is fourth on the list.

Aug 26, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) is defended by Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) and forward Satou Sabally (0) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Mercury were one of the WNBA's best teams, and they were effective on both ends of the floor. There is a saying that defense when championships, and when a team's stars are contributing on that end, they are a group that is dangerous and can win it all. Phoenix was in that category, and come next year, the team will continue to play well offensively and defensively.

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